Already restricted to a three-ton weight limit and 35 mph speed limit on the approaches and crossing, the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge is about to be even less friendly to the traffic flow.
Starting Saturday, the bridge at Ledbetter will be restricted to one-lane traffic around the clock to allow for the replacement of a deck expansion joint, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC). During this phase of work, the bridge will be restricted to a maximum 7.5-foot load width. All other restrictions remain in place.
The lane closure was slated to begin today.
The alternating flow of traffic will be controlled by an automated signal, but delays should be less than five minutes, reports Keith Todd, KyTC spokesman. The one-lane traffic should remain in place through April 13.
The deteriorating 81-year-old bridge should be replaced in the middle of 2014. The strictly-enforced load limit essentially limits traffic on the current bridge to passenger vehicles and unloaded standard pick-up trucks. An enhanced police presence continues to be maintained to enforce the load limit and 35 mph speed limit on the bridge.
